New Travel Ban on 36 Countries: Full List & Impact Explored

The Trump administration is set to enhance its travel restriction strategy, which might lead to blocking or limiting access from 36 nations. A secret diplomatic communication originating from the US State Department outlines this new initiative, which would substantially increase the number of countries currently subject to entry bans into the United States.

This action could greatly influence global travel, education opportunities, and the reunification of families for numerous people, particularly from Africa and the Caribbean regions.

60-Day Window to Fulfill US Security Requirements

The confidential memo from the State Department indicates that the nations specified in the list must deliver initial action strategies by 8 a.m. Wednesday to demonstrate their approach towards adhering to more rigorous identity verification and security obligations. They have an additional 60 days to achieve total compliance.

Failure to satisfy these criteria could result in complete or partial travel bans, akin to previous executive actions implemented under President Donald Trump.

Countries in Africa and the Caribbean Most Impacted

Among the 36 nations now under scrutiny, 25 belong to Africa, while the remainder are from the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific. Significant nations on the list include:

• Africa: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe
• Caribbean: Saint Lucia, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Asia and Pacific: Bhutan, Syria, Tonga, Vanuatu

For a comprehensive list, please scroll down to the conclusion of this article.

Reasons for Flagging These Nations

The memo provides various justifications for designating these countries as potential risks:

• Unstable Government Mechanisms: Certain nations do not possess a reliable authority to produce secure identity documents.
• High Levels of Visa Overstay: The US has observed a significant occurrence of visa overstays among visitors from these nations.
• Inadequate Repatriation of Deportees: Some countries have not cooperated well in the acceptance of their deported citizens.
• Security and Fraud Concerns: The memo references “extensive government fraud,” dubious citizenship-by-investment schemes, and reported incidents of anti-American or antisemitic conduct by nationals in the US.

Expected Political and Legal Repercussions

This proposed extension follows Trump’s June 4 declaration, which imposed travel restrictions or bans on 19 countries, including Afghanistan and Iran. Critics contend that this action perpetuates a cycle of biased immigration policies that disproportionately impact nations in the Global South.

Activists for civil rights and Democratic legislators have branded the policy as “xenophobic” and “extremely concerning,” especially given its specific targeting of nations in Africa and the Caribbean.

If enacted, the broadened travel restriction could also encounter new legal challenges, possibly inviting international outrage and renewed protests.

Next Steps Forward

Nations identified on the travel restriction list must act rapidly. An initial response to the US orders is expected within days, with complete adherence mandated in 60 days. Inability to meet set standards may lead to:

• Travel restrictions for all or specific citizens
• Limited visa categories (e.g., work, student, or tourist)
• Diplomatic relations becoming strained with the US

Such constraints might affect students, workers, and families, especially those depending on US visas for education, work, or family reunification.

Complete List of 36 Countries Facing Potential US Travel Ban

Below is the enumeration of 36 countries that might face new travel limitations from the US:

1. Angola
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Benin
4. Bhutan
5. Burkina Faso
6. Cabo Verde
7. Cambodia
8. Cameroon
9. Côte d’Ivoire
10. Democratic Republic of Congo
11. Djibouti
12. Dominica
13. Egypt
14. Ethiopia
15. Gabon
16. The Gambia
17. Ghana
18. Kyrgyzstan
19. Liberia
20. Malawi
21. Mauritania
22. Niger
23. Nigeria
24. Saint Kitts and Nevis
25. Saint Lucia
26. São Tomé and Príncipe
27. Senegal
28. South Sudan
29. Syria
30. Tanzania
31. Tonga
32. Tuvalu
33. Uganda
34. Vanuatu
35. Zambia
36. Zimbabwe

US Proposes Travel Ban Affecting 12 Nations, Intensifies Visa Requirements for 7 Additional Countries

Recently, the United States has declared a new travel ban, which will come into force on June 9, 2025, instituting strict entry restrictions on 12 nations. These include countries such as:

1. Afghanistan
2. Burma (Myanmar)
3. Chad
4. Equatorial Guinea
5. Eritrea
6. Haiti
7. Iran
8. Libya
9. Republic of the Congo
10. Somalia
11. Sudan
12. Yemen

Furthermore, 7 additional nations, including Cuba, Venezuela, and Turkmenistan, are facing partial restrictions. These might include longer processing times for visas, the suspension of specific visa categories, and stricter background checks.

1. Burundi
2. Cuba
3. Laos
4. Sierra Leone
5. Togo
6. Turkmenistan
7. Venezuela

A Changing Landscape of Travel Restrictions?

This potential policy change could significantly alter America's immigration framework once more. With a brief window for compliance and considerable diplomatic consequences at stake, the upcoming weeks are critical for the 36 nations currently on alert.

Individuals traveling, students, and businesses with connections to the US should remain vigilant regarding developments and seek advice from immigration experts for direction.